Swingadelic Offers Hobokenites Big Band Classics in Frank Sinatra Park

Swingadelic, Hoboken’s legendary swing band, has become a staple in town.

Formed in 1998, the band frequently performs at Maxwell’s and venues throughout the tri-state area. Thursday night, the 12-piece entertained Hobokenites during a nearly two-hour set at Frank Sinatra Park. Complete with classic jazz standards by Ray Charles, Count Basie and Duke Pearson as well as many originals, Swingadelic had the crowd dancing and tapping their feet along during the entire performance.

Comprised of keyboards, bass, guitar, drums, saxophone, trombone and trumpet, the band alternated from instrumental tracks showcasing stand-out improvisation from each band member to soulful singing and storytelling by keyboardist/singer John Bauers. While Swingadelic performed many well-known jazz songs, their ability to add their own lyrics and make it Hoboken-centric impressed. Classic tracks like “It Should’a Been Me” found Maxwell’s mentioned while a song Bauers wrote with and dedicated to his son, their “tribute to Hoboken,” included Frank Sinatra references.

“Mississippi Dip” saw solid trumpet and saxophone interludes while “Hay Burner,” whose title references a horse that comes in last, showcased a memorable horn and keyboard introduction.

“It’s sing-a-long time everybody,” Bauers told the audience mid-set. Without giving away the next track, he continued. “You’ll know what to sing and when to sing it. You know the part. If you don’t, you’ll pick it up. I can’t explain it, you’ll just feel it. It’s a Lloyd Price song.”

As soon as Hobokenites realized the track he was referring to was “Personality,” they started to sing along. With soulful trombone, saxophone and trumpet interludes, the track had many of the kids in attendance dancing along.

“We are a dance band as this young lady is demonstrating, so feel free to get up and dance. Adults, you can dance too,” Bauers said.

“One Mint Julep” followed suit with an older couple swing dancing for the remainder of the band’s performance. Throughout their set, Swingadelic performed many tracks by Duke Pearson including “Big Bertha” and “Mississippi Dip.” It seemed only fitting, as the band is currently in the process of recording their fifth album, The Other Duke, a tribute to Duke Pearson. While “Mississippi Dip” showcased the band’s instrumental prowess, “Big Bertha” demonstrated just how powerful an electric guitar can be when added to the mix.

While each track impressed, it was “Take the A Train” that captivated the audience’s attention wholeheartedly. Complete with powerful trombone, muted trumpet, and saxophone trills as well as light percussion and additional band accompaniment, the stand-out performance had concertgoers clapping along.

Hailed as the Metro area’s “Greatest Little Big Band,” Swingadelic’s nearly two-hour set evoked great passion and soul. Infused with jazz classics and solid originals, the band impressed those in attendance. The ensemble’s next area performance is Sept. 13 at Maxwell’s. With a fifth album on the way, Hobokenites can rely on Swingadelic to continue to showcase traditional big band music and danceable grooves.